Vaginitis

Vaginitis simply means inflammation of the vagina.

It causes women to have a vaginal discharge with or without an itch and/or irritation. There are many causes of vaginitis, some of which are a mere “annoyance”, and others that can seriously harm your health. Many women who experience these symptoms mistakenly think that it is a “yeast infection.”

The following are some of the common causes of vaginitis.

• Yeast Infection
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Trichomonas Vaginitis
• Atrophic Vaginitis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes infection
• Allergic Reactions

Yeast Infection: Also called Candidiasis, is caused by a fungus called Candida. Candida is commonly found in the large bowel, but does not cause vaginitis in most women.

Vagina is normally protected from infections by its pH, which is acidic. This pH is maintained by the presence of some bacteria normally present in the vagina, called the Doderlein’s bacillus. It breaks down Glycogen into lactic acid - thus the acidic pH.

If you take antibiotics for another condition, it can kill off these bacteria as well, and then yeast may overgrow causing vaginitis.

Women with Diabetes also develop yeast infections because of the increased sugar content in the vaginal secretions.

Pregnancy also promotes yeast infections.

Symptoms: The most common symptom is itching and burning. The discharge, when present, is usually white and thick (cottage cheese like) and is frequently odorless. In severe cases the external area may become red and swollen.

Your doctor can make the diagnosis easily, in the office, by looking at a drop of the discharge under a microscope.

Treatment: Several medications are available - vaginal creams, suppositories and oral tablets. Some are available over the counter without a prescription.

You must exercise caution when using non-prescription medications because the ‘vaginitis’ may be due to something else. Use of these medications may mask other serious causes of vaginitis.

You must consult with your doctor if:

• This is the first time you have had a vaginal infection.
• The symptoms do not go away after treatment
• The discharge has an odor, or yellow or green in color.
• There is a chance that you may have a sexually transmitted condition (STD).

Some lifestyle changes such as avoidance of sugar, nylon underwear (which traps moisture) etc, help preventing recurrence.

Bacterial Vaginosis: or BV is the result of an overgrowth of bacteria sometimes present in the vagina.

Symptoms: The most common symptom is an increased vaginal discharge with a strong (fishy) odor. The odor may increase during periods or after sex. Itching is uncommon. Some women have no symptoms.

The diagnosis is made in the office by looking at a drop of the discharge under a microscope.

Treatment: one of two medications are used Metronidazole or Clindamycin either orally or as a cream or a gel. This can become a recurrent problem and repeated treatments are sometimes needed.

Trichomonas Vaginitis: or TV is caused by an ameba like parasite, which is usually sexually transmitted.

The diagnosis is made in the office by looking at a drop of the discharge under a microscope.

Symptoms: TV causes a yellow/green, watery, frothy discharge with an odor and itch. Sometimes there are no symptoms.

Treatment: Metronidazole as a single dose or one day treatment. Sexual partner also must be treated at the same time. Because of possible side effects to this medication, you doctor has to prescribe this.

Please note that women with TV are at increased risk for other STDs (including AIDS).

Atrophic Vaginitis: This is caused by lack of estrogen in older women or in younger women who have had their ovaries removed (menopause).

Symptoms: Vaginal dryness and burning. In extreme cases a brownish discharge may occur.

Treatment: Estrogen taken as a pill, patch, vaginal cream or a vaginal pill. Non prescription vaginal moisturizers such as Replens or Lubrin may also help.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: are sexually transmitted conditions (STD).

They cause only mild symptoms, such as increased vaginal discharge. It can also mimic normal vaginal discharges. If untreated they can cause serious harm to your health - Permanent infertility, Ectopic Pregnancies, Chronic pelvic pain, Abscess formation, etc. If you are at risk for STDs (multiple sex partners, even serial monogamy, casual sex etc.), and notice any change in the vaginal discharges you must consult your physician immediately. Diagnosis requires a lab test performed by your physician.

Genital Herpes: This is another STD caused by a virus called HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus).

Symptoms: A rash in the vaginal area with intense burning and itch. Usually there is no discharge. Diagnosis is by clinical observation assisted by some lab tests.

Treatment: Antiviral agent taken as a cream or orally.

Women who acquire Genital Herpes sexually are at increased risk for other STDs (including AIDS).

Skin Allergy: Vaginitis like symptoms may occur if you develop an allergic condition, like contact dermatitis. Common allergens are nylon (in underwear and stockings), soaps and detergents, latex and spermicides in condoms, etc.

There are also other rare but serious causes for the symptoms mentioned in this article. For example, increased discharge may be a symptom of cancer of the cervix, uterus or fallopian tube. Chronic itch could be caused by vulval dystrophies and cancer.

When you go to see your doctor for vaginitis make sure that you have not douched or used any other vaginitis medications, as it makes it harder to make a diagnosis. Vaginitis is also harder to diagnose during menstruation.

Other Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Back to Your Health

Office Locations:

1089 Main Street
Fishkill
NY 12524
(845) 896 9864

15 Fulton Avenue
Poughkeepsie
NY 12603
(845) 454 1514